Welcome everyone and introduce ourselves: Matt R, Kim, Jenessa, Mary, Matt S, Charlie ( Barb, Michelle, Mari)

Brigades Definition: Groups of passionate volunteers who mobilize toward positive social change. Global Brigades is the world’s largest student-led global health and sustainable development organization. Since 2004, Global Brigades has mobilized thousands of university students and professionals through nine skill-based programs that work in partnership with community members to improve quality of life in under resourced regions while respecting local culture. Jenessa: So what is Global Brigades? I’m sure you’re all here because you know about medical brigades, right? (show of hands) Even if you are all interested in going on a medical brigade it is important to remember that GB is a ten part movement. It is this holistic approach that is making GB so successful. Since it’s start GB has been constantly evolving its strategies to come up with ten different programs that work towards sustainability within under resourced countries. Global Brigades is always evolving to make changes that will benefit the communities. The over-all goal of GB is to enable communities to become self-sustainable so GB’s presence is no longer needed (GB has sustainably exited from 2 communities)

You can’t work for what you can’t imagine- Elise Boulding Our Vision To improve equality of life by igniting the largest student-led social responsibility movement on the planet. Our Mission To empower volunteers and under-resourced communities to resolve global health and economic disparities and inspire all involved to collaboratively work towards an equal world. You can’t work for what you can’t imagine- Elise Boulding Someone can take this slide.

Someone can take this: CEO Steve Atamian discusses GB’s mission and how the different brigades fit into the picture.

Global Brigades’ Mission Video: http://vimeo.com/76724345 Someone can take this: CEO Steve Atamian discusses GB’s mission and how the different brigades fit into the picture.

RURAL NICARAGUAN STATISTICS: Average level of education is approximately 5th grade Typically no doctors within a 20 mile radius 70% of the population have no access to a dentist 65% have no access to public sanitary services Typical families walk 6 hours a day to get access to water Limited/no access to microfinance Someone can take this slide.

PUBLIC HEALTH BRIGADES Improve health through the construction of eco- stoves, latrines, water storage units, and concrete floors The four projects were chosen based on observations of medical brigade patient records, which illustrated high levels of respiratory illness, chagas disease and other preventable ailments caused by poor in-home health infrastructure Brigadistas are trained in communities to ensure project sustainability and maximum health impact Possibly 2 days working with Water Brigades Someone can take this slide.

Health Infrastructure Affects: Community Selection: Based on Need Health infrastructure Community commitment Health Infrastructure Affects: Health Sanitation and hygiene Time and ease In-home Health Infrastructure: Reduces time spent walking to water sources Reduces skin diseases Reduces respiratory illnesses Increases sanitation Someone can take this slide.

BRIGADE PROCESS – Public Health Portion: http://vimeo.com/93794293 https://vimeo.com/125182634 11:13 Check out the whole video for a better idea of our entire brigade process! Special thanks to Kevin Clancy and Adriana Peréz for their time and talent. Someone can take this slide

Cost: TBD $1,500-$1,650 (includes flight) LOGISTICS Public Health Brigade Dates:TBD 7 days, shortly after classes get out but returning before Easter, March 2016 Cost: TBD $1,500-$1,650 (includes flight) **this reduced cost is made possible through group fundraising and generous donations Commitment: Second semester:Bi-monthly meetings, fundraisers, reflections, service projects, and cultural sessions Someone can take this slide

Nicaragua Population: 6.0 million (2013) Per Capita Income: $4,500; 46.2% of population below poverty line Politically stable and safe country Located in Central America Capital – Managua

Nicaragua Someone can take this slide. - Located in Central America Capital – Managua We stay in Estelí

QUESTIONS?